Maligne River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Maligne River |
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The Maligne River River north of Maligne Lake
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Alberta |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Replica Peak 2,048 m (6,719 ft) 52°32′01″N 117°28′30″W / 52.53361°N 117.47500°W |
| River mouth | Athabasca River 1,019 m (3,343 ft) 52°56′02″N 118°01′59″W / 52.93389°N 118.03306°W |
The Maligne River (pronounced mah-LEEN) is a beautiful river in the Canadian Rockies. It flows through Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada. The Maligne River is a big tributary of the Athabasca River. This means it's a smaller river that flows into a larger one.
The name 'Maligne' comes from a French word meaning 'wicked' or 'naughty'. People think a Belgian priest named Pieter Jan De Smet, who was also a voyageur (a fur trader and explorer), gave it this name. He might have been talking about how strong the river's current was where it joined the Athabasca River.
Where Does the Maligne River Flow?
The Maligne River starts south of Maligne Lake. It forms from the melting snow and ice of Replica Peak. From there, the river flows north. It passes by big mountains like Mount Mary Vaux, Lysfran Peak, Mount Unwin, and Mount Charleton. Finally, it empties into Maligne Lake.
After leaving Maligne Lake, the river flows northwest towards Medicine Lake. What's cool about this part is that the river becomes a losing stream. This means most of its water disappears underground at Medicine Lake! But don't worry, the water reappears further downstream in the amazing Maligne Canyon. After the canyon, the river continues west until it joins the Athabasca River.
Images for kids
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The Maligne River downstream of Maligne Lake
